Microsoft planning Google Glass rival for next year?

With Google Glass having captured consumers’ imaginations, latest reports have suggested that Microsoft will launch its own augmented reality eyewear in the early part of 2014.

Seemingly set to bring the fight to Google, Microsoft looks set to join the wearable gadget revolution, with industry analysts predicting that the software behemoth could extend its hardware ventures to stave off being dwarfed by its rivals. Although Apple is not believed to be working on its own high-tech glasses, the iPad mini manufacturer is expected to launch its own wearable Apple iWatch device later this year.

"It appears to us that Google has made significant breakthroughs around software applications as it relates to this new product," analyst Brian White said in a recent note to investors. "As such, we believe this initiative will kick off a major push into the field of wearable electronics and therefore will be closely scrutinized."

Although failing to offer any indication as to what capabilities the mooted Microsoft internet-connected glasses will possess, White hinted that the device could launch in the first half of 2014, just months after Google’s expected late 2013 Google Glass release.

Google Glass Features

With initial Google Glass stock set to be manufactured in the US, latest details revealed by Google have suggested that the smart eyewear will play host to a small touch panel and a single physical button for menu navigation, whilst voice commands will also allow users to control the device hands-free.

Playing host to an inbuilt camera to allow users to video or photograph their surroundings from a point-of-view perspective, current Google Glass features include the ability to start Google hangouts as well as access a selection of the company’s service’s including Google Maps, Gmail and Path.

Projecting an augmented reality image into users’ fields of vision, the relatively unobtrusive eyewear, which will be compatible with prescription specs, will also feature facial recognition technologies.

Despite pushing the realms of technological advancement, Google Glass has come under criticism from privacy campaigners, with activists suggesting the video recording capabilities of the headset will invade the personal privacy of members of the public.